What is a vesting cliff?

A vesting cliff is a date before which you receive no equity if you leave. For example, a 1-year cliff means you forfeit all equity if you depart in the first 12 months. After the cliff, equity typically vests monthly or quarterly.

Is a 1-year cliff standard for startups?

Yes. A 1-year cliff is industry standard for startup employees. Cliffs longer than 2 years are unusual and a red flag. Founders may negotiate shorter cliffs (6 months) but cliffs longer than the standard suggest the company is protecting itself against high turnover.

What happens to my equity if I leave before the cliff?

If you leave before the cliff vests, you forfeit 100% of your equity (unless there is accelerated vesting). After the cliff, if you leave, you keep vested shares but forfeit all unvested shares.

What is a vesting cliff?

A vesting cliff is a date before which you receive no equity if you leave. For example, a 1-year cliff means you forfeit all equity if you depart in the first 12 months. After the cliff, equity typically vests monthly or quarterly.

Is a 1-year cliff standard for startups?

Yes. A 1-year cliff is industry standard for startup employees. Cliffs longer than 2 years are unusual and a red flag. Founders may negotiate shorter cliffs (6 months) but cliffs longer than the standard suggest the company is protecting itself against high turnover.

What happens to my equity if I leave before the cliff?

If you leave before the cliff vests, you forfeit 100% of your equity (unless there is accelerated vesting). After the cliff, if you leave, you keep vested shares but forfeit all unvested shares.

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Equity Vesting Cliff Review — Understand Your Stock Vesting Schedule

Startup equity can be life-changing — or meaningless — depending on vesting terms. A "cliff" in your vesting schedule means you forfeit everything if you leave before the cliff date. Our AI analyzes your equity package, explains vesting schedules, identifies risky cliff provisions, and shows you exactly what you would receive at different time horizons.

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Detailed analysis of vesting cliff mechanics (1-year standard vs. unusual terms)
Calculation of equity value at different departure dates
Detection of accelerated vesting clauses and change-of-control provisions
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Clear explanation of stock options vs. RSUs vs. restricted stock

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